2021-02-19 Friday NewsFriday News 2/19/21
City of Mendota Heights sent this bulletin at 02/19/2021 12:20 PM CST
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FRIDAY NEWS | February 19, 2021
THE LATEST
The new dump truck with plow attachment features two brine tanks (above); Public Works employee Jason Evazich
demonstrates the brine tanks which have been installed on the City’s new Public Works truck (below).
Implementing brine to
reduce road salt use
In January, the City’s Public Works Department
took delivery of a new single axle dump truck with
a six cubic yard box, complete with a plow
attachment and other tools for year-round use. It
replaced a dump truck which had been in use
since 2007. The cost of the replacement truck was
$220,000.
New with this truck are twin 55 gallon “saddle
tanks,” which store brine--a mixture of salt and
water. The brine is used to “pre-wet” the salt which
is spread from the tailgate of the truck. Pre-wetting
the rock salt as it leaves the truck accelerates the freezing temperature reduction process,
meaning that the salt starts to work more quickly. It also helps the salt to stay on the road
after it is spread. This results in less salt being used.
Currently, only one of the City’s four main snowplowing trucks is outfitted with this set-up,
but it is expected that the ability to use brine will be incorporated into future trucks as
replacements are ordered. “Each of the City’s Public Works employees have taken training
through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on how and why to reduce the use of salt in
plowing,” said Public Works Superintendent John Boland. “We will never be able to
completely eliminate the use of salt on our streets, but using less of it overall is good for the
environment. With the addition of brine on our trucks, we can reduce the amount of time
that we spend fighting snow and ice, while reducing the use of salt.”
COVID-19 vaccine information
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There is now a Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector to help find out when, where, and
how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. By completing a simple form, the Vaccine Connector
will alert you when you are eligible to receive a vaccine, connect you to resources to
schedule a vaccine appointment; and notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your
area.
Links to additional vaccine information:
State of Minnesota COVID-19 Response vaccination webpage.
Minnesota Department of Health vaccination webpage.
Find a free COVID-19 community testing event
The Minnesota Department of Health is hosting both saliva and nasal swab testing events
throughout Minnesota. Tests are free and insurance is not required.
Visit mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/index.jsp for more information.
Learn more about the COVIDaware MN app
You can help protect your community and add your phone to the fight against COVID-19
today! It’s free. It’s anonymous. It helps slow the spread of the coronavirus in our
communities. Visit covidawaremn.com for more information.
City Council outlines two-year goals and objectives
At its meeting of February 16, the City Council discussed its strategic two-year goals and
objectives for 2021-2022. The Council is focusing on the following five priority areas:
Enhance City Governance and Services
Create a Vision for City Development and Redevelopment Areas
Maintain and Improve City Infrastructure and Assets
Encourage and Support Park Opportunities and Improvements
Conserve, Protect, and Enhance Natural Resources
The action items as proposed to Council at its Feb 16 meeting are available here. Based on
the Council's direction and item prioritization, staff will be researching the action steps of the
plan to be brought back to the City Council at a later date for review and approval.
Opening on Airport Relations Commission
Apply by 4:30 p.m. March 3
The City is accepting applications to fill an opening on the Airport Relations Commission.
The term will start immediately when appointed and run through January 2022. The
commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to the MSP airport. The
Commission monitors proposed rules, procedures, and programs which impact the airport
noise levels experienced in Mendota Heights, and makes recommendations to the City
Council regarding strategies to mitigate the city’s air noise exposure. Regular meetings are
typically held the third Wednesday of odd numbered months beginning at 6:00
P.M. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and a current resume to
Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson (cherylj@mendota-heights.com) no later than
4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Questions can be directed to Cheryl Jacobson
at 651.452.1850.
Canoe rack permit applications open for Rogers
Lake
Due March 1 for first priority
The City of Mendota Heights offers rack rental at Rogers Lake to store canoes and kayaks
from April through November; the permit cost is $75. Those interested must complete and
submit a yearly Canoe Rack Permit Request Application. Mendota Heights residents have
an opportunity for first priority by submitting a Canoe Permit Request Application by the first
business day in March. After March 1, any unassigned racks will be made available to non-
Mendota Heights residents. Submitting a request for a permit application, or having a permit
from the prior year, does not automatically guarantee that a permit will be issued; please
refer to the Canoe Rack Rental Policy for details. Before using the storage rack, all users
must have a valid permit for the current calendar year issued by the City of Mendota
Heights.
Canoe Rack Rental Policy
Canoe Rack Permit Request Application
The City of Mendota Heights is accepting applications for the following summer seasonal
positions:
Public Works
Seasonal Maintenance Workers | Must be 18 years of age or older Responsible for the safe operation of maintenance equipment and perform assigned
duties in the parks, streets or utilities division of the Public Works department.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, mowing public areas, assisting with the
maintenance and preparation of athletic fields, performing cleaning and janitorial
tasks at park facilities and public areas, assisting in the repair of city streets including
asphalt prep work and patching, and assisting with the daily maintenance of sanitary
and storm water utilities including sewer cleaning, hydrant painting and checking of
lift stations.
Tennis Program
Tennis Instructor | Must be 18 years of age or older Responsible for instructing youth at various levels and ages in the fundamentals of
tennis. Performs a variety of duties including developing lesson plans, preparing
materials, instructing lessons and camps, and supervising participants.
Tennis Assistant | Must be 16 years of age or older Responsible for providing assistance to the Tennis Instructor instructing youth at
various levels and ages in the fundamentals of tennis. Performs a variety of duties
including assisting with instructing lessons and camps, preparing materials, and
supervising participants.
Par 3 Community Golf Course
Golf Assistant | Must be 16 years of age or older Provides assistance to the Golf Instructor instructing youth at various levels and ages
in the fundamentals of golf. Performs a variety of duties including assisting with
instructing lessons and camps, preparing materials, and supervising participants.
Golf Instructor | Must be 18 years of age or older Instructs youth and adults at various levels in the fundamentals of golf. Performs a
variety of duties including developing lesson plans, preparing materials, instructing
lessons and camps, supervising participants, and providing work direction to Golf
Assistants.
Golf Course Maintenance Worker | Must be 18 years of age or older Responsible for the care and maintenance of the golf course turf and grounds as well
as general cleanliness and upkeep of the course. The Golf Course Maintenance
Worker responsibilities include raking traps, hand trimming, changing cups, push
mowing, fixing divots, weed whipping, pulling weeds and picking up trash.
mendota-heights.com/employment
Recent highlights
Town Square TV/NDC4 are currently seeking Independent Contractor camera
operators to produce live coverage. Learn more at townsquare.tv/producer-search.
The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking input on the results of a national
Neighborhood Environmental Survey showing an increase in airplane noise
annoyance at lower noise levels; link here to the survey and comment by March 15,
2021.
Use caution on and near the ice at Rogers Lake, and follow posted signage while
aeration is underway.
RECYCLING
$10,000 Grants offered by Dakota County to
Multifamily Properties
Dakota County has passed a recent Ordinance that requires multifamily properties to
provide recycling services to their residents and sets recycling capacity standards for
multifamily properties. To assist properties in implementing or improving their recycling
collection, Dakota County invites multifamily properties to apply for FREE recycling
resources! Multifamily properties in Dakota County are eligible to receive recycling bins,
labels, tote bags, education and more on a first-come, first-served basis through the Dakota
County Multifamily Recycling Program – all for free! The program is open to apartments,
condominiums, townhomes and independent senior living. Managers and residents can
contact Gena Gerard at gena.gerard@co.dakota.mn.us or 952-891-7021 to apply or get
more info.
Mark your calendars
The South Saint Paul compost site is scheduled to open for the season on April 9.
Upcoming recycling events
Dakota County Virtual Fix-It Clinic
Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m.–noon | Register
Dakota County Live Green: Food Preservation (via Zoom)
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2–3:30 p.m.
Paper Shred Event
Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m.–noon | West St. Paul Sports Complex
NATURAL RESOURCES
Recent highlights
The City is currently updating its Natural Resources Management Plan with a Phase
1 Draft available to review. The plan will serve as a tool to help guide the City in
making decisions and taking actions to conserve and manage its natural resources.
Learn about Siberian Elm and control methods for this invasive, non-native tree.
Restoration is underway at two of the City's stormwater ponds; steps you can take to
improve surface water quality.
Smart salting to protect our surface waters.
POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Just the Facts
Incident reports 2/12/21 - 2/18/21 Previous Just the Facts publications are available in the
Laserfiche archive system on the City's website.
Sign up for emergency alerts
The Emergency Alert Program is available through the Dakota Communications Center
(DCC) at mn-dcc.org/community-notification/.
Stay in touch through Nextdoor
The MHPD has expanded their social media channels to include Nextdoor. Learn more and
sign up at nextdoor.com.
For immediate public safety response and non-
emergency police assistance call 9-1-1
The Police Department will also continue to process requests for police reports, gun
permits, etc. Link to the forms under Public Resources at mendota-heights.com/police.
Completed forms and general questions can be submitted via email to
pdrecords@mendota-heights.com.
PARKS & RECREATION
Rendering of the Marie Park playground; the new structures will feature an earth-tone color palette and overhead shaded
areas.
New playground coming to Marie Park
At its meeting on February 16, the City Council approved a playground redesign for Marie
Park. The design selected is from Northland Recreation (Little Tikes) and features a play
structure for ages two-to-five years, a play structure for for ages five-to-twelve years, two
sand diggers, a two-person grasshopper spring rider, a revolution spinner, track ride, five
swings, climbers, slides, and two benches. The design was a community favorite in
feedback received through the City's Polco poll, and virtual and in-person open houses.
The City Council approved the cost for the playground structure, installation, and shade
structures for a total of $133,004. The proposed playground replacement is approximately
double the size of the existing playground at Marie Park, and it is anticipated to be complete
by June 1 of this year, weather permitting.
Outdoor rinks/warming houses
Rinks and warming houses are closed when the air temperature drops
below zero. Check for details by calling the hotline at 651-255-1174.
Warming houses are open at Friendly Hills Park and Marie Park. Due to capacity limitations,
the warming house at Wentworth Park is closed for the season.
Warming House Hours:
M-F 4 - 9 p.m. | Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun Noon - 6 p.m.
Rink lights are on automatic timers from dusk until 9 p.m., 7 days a week
Stay safe before heading to the rinks:
Call the ice rink/warming house hotline at 651-255-1174 for conditions and updates
Dress for the weather, bring proper gear, and plan your time outdoors according to
temperature and weather
The City has three hockey and three pleasure rinks located at:
Friendly Hills Park | 2360 Pueblo Lane
Marie Park | 1780 Lilac Lane
Wentworth Park | 739 Wentworth Ave (Warming house closed)
Preview summer programs
See what's coming up for spring and summer fun at secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-
mn/catalog. Program registration will be opening March 9 at 9 a.m. Please note that
programs may change at any time in response to public health guidance and regulations.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Public Meetings
Meeting changes or cancellations are noted on the City's website mendota-
heights.com/calendar. Meetings take place at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting
attendees should adhere to the posted City Hall safety guidelines and be aware that
capacity in the City Council Chambers will be limited. As much as possible, the community
is encouraged to watch City Council, Planning Commission, and Parks & Recreation
Commission meetings live on Cable Channel 18, online
at townsquare.tv/webstreaming (available live or for replay), or through dial-in when offered.
Select Airport Relations Commission meetings are broadcast on Cable Channel 19.
Occasionally broadcasted channels may change; check Town Square Television's listings
for updates.
Planning Commission | Feb 23, 7:00 p.m.
City Council Work Session with Commissions | Feb 24, 7:00 p.m.
City Council | March 2, 6:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission | March 9, 6:30 p.m.
City Council | March 16, 6:00 p.m.
Airport Relations Commission | March 17, 6:00 p.m.
City Business Hours
City Hall: Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Friday 7-11:30 a.m.
Police Department: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Public Works Building: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
City Hall Contact Information
Official Website of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Phone: 651-452-1850
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